Silencing Jama Masjid pulpit now part of state policy: Mirwaiz Umar Farooq

SRINAGAR: Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Friday said that the restrictions and attempts to silence the Jama Masjid pulpit, where he addresses weekly congregations, appear to have become part of state policy. Kashmir’s head cleric and separatist leader was not allowed to address the crowds at the Jama Masjid the previous two Fridays and disallowed from addressing another religious congregation, locally known as Khwaja Digar, at the Naqshband Sahib shrine during this period.

He said those who place such restrictions may not know the history of Jama Masjid, which has stood for people’s rights, coexistence and dialogue. “Every opportunity to be at Jama Masjid is a blessing but restrictions and attempts to silence the pulpit, unfortunately, seem to be part of the state policy right now. It was a time to bear with patience and continue the good work, however possible,” the Mirwaiz said.

The chief cleric said that the Jama Masjid pulpit, one of the oldest in South Asia, has for generations played an important role in educating individuals and shaping society on religious and moral lines. “It has helped in creating awakening and awareness among people not only regarding their rights but also their duties. The manner has always been in accordance with Islamic teachings — peaceful, principled and dignified; dialogue over confrontation and issue-based over personal,” the Mirwaiz said. “Inshallah, we will continue to do so whenever given the chance. It is the legacy of my forefathers and the shared inheritance of the people of J&K.